Our
Community
We’re always searching for ways to support and enrich the community we work and play in.
By supporting important local projects focused on food security, placemaking, beautification, and events, we help develop human connection and mutual aid opportunities for real folks in our local Rock Bay neighbourhood.
People need to eat.
The Community Fridge Initiative and Food Truck Program
In 2021 we were asked to house Victoria’s very first Community Fridge. Run by a group of dedicated volunteers from Community Food Support, the Community Fridge has become a hub of community building through mutual aid and a “take what you need, leave what you can” attitude. Operating on a zero-judgment basis, the fridge is open to anyone, free of judgment or policing.
We believe that with physical space to contribute, we have the opportunity to give back to the community in which we live, work, and play. Inspired by the dedication and generosity of the volunteers, we also contribute to the fridge through internal food drives and other local partnerships, such as a giveback campaign that resulted in the donation of 43 healthy, ready-to-eat lunches from our food truck, Bird & Basket.
Creating community through art.
ROCK BAY ART CRAWL
In 2022 we partnered with Sweetpea Gallery to bring an Art Crawl to the community of Rock Bay. From June 20th to 27th, we invited community members to explore the neighbourhood and admire a collection of murals from emerging artists at several local businesses throughout Rock Bay.
Businesses participated in our Art Crawl Passport program. Visitors could pick up a passport at a participating location, and collect stamps along their crawl to be entered to win prizes from local businesses and art prints.
The Art Crawl was our way of contributing to the invigoration of the community and supporting independent artists while driving patrons to the local businesses that make up Rock Bay.
Feeding folks in our great neighbourhood.
Bill’s Bag Lunches
Bill’s Bag Lunches is a weekly bag lunch delivery program launched in January 2021 by Bill Farrant. Wanting to give back to his community, Bill coordinated funding from The City of Victoria’s My Great Neighbourhood Grant program to get his food-sharing idea off the ground.
Providing creative support from the beginning, we’ve proudly supported Bill’s Bag Lunches alongside other local businesses like Hoyne Brewing, Gabriel Ross, Île Sauvage Brewing, Discovery Coffee, Empire Donuts and more. Since launching Bill’s Bag Lunches, 50 meals per week have been shared with unhoused folks in the Rock Bay area, and the residents of North Park’s Tiny Village.
If you’d like to volunteer or support please email Bill’s Bag Lunches below. You can now donate to the 2023 Fundraising Drive.
Enlivening public spaces.
Concrete Canvas
We are proud to have been part of the Concrete Canvas Rock Bay Mural Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the appearance of Rock Bay and providing opportunities to visual artists. In 2018 Rock Bay was transformed by 17 murals from 17 artists from Victoria, Canada, The United States and beyond. We were lucky enough to have our own building become a canvas for Canadian artist Caitlin McDonagh.
We believe in the power of art to create connections and have a positive impact on the residents of Rock Bay. As recipients of the My Great Neighbourhood grant, we were also able to make and install map boxes across Rock Bay, showcasing the murals in the area.